Need Help Buying First Stone

[miv]

By the way has anyone tried a stone called Etna, I see it on eBay for a good price but no reviews/comments.

[Joe Shmoe]

Cool, just double check that your oven can fit a 16x16 stone! Not all ovens are at least 16 inches front to back

Cut a couple practice pieces of cardboard to the size of your oven, leaving about 1/2-3/4" gap all around for airflow. Make sure door closes right etc. Fit some loaf pans, pie pans to approximate what your cook will be like, measure and order. Thicker on a stone is a plus. I like Fibrament and they will custom cut to size pretty reasonable.....

I never thought of that. Width is no problem. My rack keeps it just over 2" from the back wall. With the door closed, it sits 3/4" from touching. 3/4" isn't much, but 4" on each side and the 2" in the rear should be OK.

[scott r]

scott r-Great info. I don't think I want to lay a stone on the bottom floor. Is that common? What stone that you've used had the best thermal conductivity?


I dont think its common, but I think my best pizzas come from this method in my oven.

There really isn't a best thermal conductivity.  I just wanted people to be aware that some stones really give a lot of browning and some give much less.  Whats important is to match that to your oven and pizza style.  In my previous post I was hoping to show that you have to know how to use your particular stone based on your oven and how your oven bakes.   I have found a way to use a very high thermal conductivity stone and a very low thermal conductivity stone in my oven.   Not all ovens would allow this. 

[Joe Shmoe]

 A few weeks ago, I picked up a cheap stone in the local supermarket and tried it. I was mostly worried about launching. I couldn't believe how easy it was to launch. I also got better at making my dough.

After few pies, one per week, I ordered 15.5 x 18 x 1/4" steel thru Etsy. I used it for the first time today and couldn't be happier with the results. 550°, 50 minute preheat.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/884991723/14-steel-pizza-baking-plate-14-thick-a36?transaction_id=2907873764

[02ebz06]

As for stones, I have two 3/4" x 16" x 16" Fibrament stones.
Very happy with them.  They will cut to size for you.
Used them in my grill at 650F.